How We Manage Performance
Performance measurement is the process of assessing progress toward achieving predetermined goals. Performance management builds on that process and includes activities to ensure that the Department's strategic goals are achieved through a framework of strategic priorities, performance measures, and data collection that are reliable and useful to guide American diplomacy toward the successful achievement of creating a world of democratic states and enduring security for the American people
The integration of performance and budget information starts with the President's highest foreign policy and foreign assistance priorities, expressed through the Department of State-USAID Joint Strategic Plan for 2007-2012, and implemented via mission- and bureau-level planning and evaluation processes that culminate each year in the submission of the President's budget to the Congress. The shared strategic goals of the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) define this integrated vision and represent the core of our transformational diplomacy efforts. The accompanying table, reflecting the Department of State/USAID's Joint Strategic Goal Framework, is structured around seven strategic goals and the key strategic priorities within them.
Below, we present highlights of important FY 2007 results in each of our seven strategic goal areas.
Strategic Goal 1: Achieving Peace and Security
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramalah. October 17, 2007. AP Image |
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U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, October 17, 2007. AP Image |
Israeli-Palestinian Road Map to Peace. Promoting dialogue between the Israelis and Palestinians, consistent with the Road Map and the Quartet principles (renunciation of violence, recognition of Israel, and commitment to previous agreements between the parties) is central to the Department's mission to foster peace, security, democratic and economic progress throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Lack of progress toward a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict fuels extremism and impacts U.S. national security and interests throughout the Middle East and around the world. Hamas' violent takeover of Gaza in June precipitated the dismissal of the unity government between Fatah and Hamas, and the establishment of a moderate Palestinian government committed to the Quartet principles under Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas. With a new Palestinian Authority government in place committed to peace, recognition of Israel, and a two-state solution, Israeli PM Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Abbas launched serious bilateral talks, including on core final status issues, and the President in July called for an international meeting to rally international support for discussions and negotiations between the parties. The Secretary of State traveled to the region on a near monthly basis to support and advance these bilateral talks and lay a foundation for serious negotiations.
Strategic Goal 2: Governing Justly and Democratically
Former Assistant Secretary of State Barry Lowenkron, holds the disc, containing the 2006 country reports on human rights practices, during its release at the State Department in Washington, March 6, 2007. |
Protecting Human Rights and Building Democracy. Sustainable democracies promote greater governmental accountability, vibrant and active civil societies, and democratic practices that are more likely to result in respect for human rights and basic freedoms. Through public-private partnerships with non-governmental organizations in 2007, the Department led the effort to strengthen the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPs) by developing formal criteria to foster greater accountability on the part of all members and reinforcing a shared commitment to ensure that extractive industry security practices protect human rights. In other fronts, intensive diplomacy with Vietnam led to greater concrete improvements in religious freedom, such as releases of religious prisoners and registration of hundreds more places to worship. Through ongoing diplomacy and relationships with multilateral organizations, the Department succeeded in keeping international focus on abuses of religious freedom and holding governments accountable.
Strategic Goal 3: Investing in People
After speaking on his efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, President Bush, right, hoists 4-year-old Baron Mosima Loyiso Tantoh, son of Manyongo Mosima "Kuene" Tantoh of South Africa, left, who is HIV-positive, May 30, 2007. AP Image |
Fighting Global HIV/AIDS. One of the surest long-term strategies for addressing transnational threats is to promote the health, stability, and economic well-being of developing nations. Confronting global HIV/AIDS in some of the hardest-hit countries is at the heart of this strategy. Through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. Government (USG) has responded to the global challenge of HIV/AIDS with a bold strategy for integrated prevention, treatment and care services in more than 100 countries with a particular focus on fifteen of the most affected countries. As the President's initiative enters its fifth year, the top priority is to meet the President's goals by supporting: treatment for two million HIV-infected individuals; prevention of seven million new HIV infections; and care for ten million people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans and vulnerable children. The American people's investment in PEPFAR has enabled this initiative to build networks of country-owned strategies with a dedication to results that are saving lives in the face of a devastating health crisis that has the potential to impact us all.
Strategic Goal 4: Promoting Economic Growth and Prosperity
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and German Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs Wolfgang Tiefensee sign the US-European Union Air Transportation Agreement in the Treaty Room at the State Department in Washington, April 30, 2007. |
Transformational Diplomacy and U.S. Prosperity. Promoting sustainable economic growth, promoting good governance, and encouraging openness to trade and investment are the foundation of USG efforts to undercut terrorist recruitment and financing. These efforts also contribute to a dynamic international economic system that will continue to provide new opportunities for American workers here and abroad. In the fight against corruption and other systematic business climate issues, the Department and country team members from other federal agencies provided advocacy services in 2007 for 300 company-specific cases to resolve commercial disputes and strengthen U.S. and foreign economies. Completion of an 'open skies' aviation agreement with the European Union was a major step toward a more competitive global aviation market. And the Department's success in promoting international transportation security continued in 2007 with the commencement of operational testing of the Secure Freight Initiative in three ports.
Strategic Goal 5: Providing Humanitarian Assistance
Refugee Protection. Providing protection and assistance to refugees threatened by the atrocities of war persecution is one way the Department puts into practice the best humanitarian traditions of the American people. Together with partners including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and others, the Department works to save lives, relieve suffering and sustain the livelihoods of refugees, victims of conflict and other vulnerable populations, while also working to achieve durable solutions that enable refugees to return voluntarily, integrate locally or resettle elsewhere. The Department and its partners continue the American tradition of admitting refugees for resettlement in the United States. Since 1975, the United States has resettled more than 2.66 million refugees, and we continue to resettle more refugees than all other resettlement countries combined. To address the immediate needs of those fleeing their homes or caught in protracted situations, the Department advocates for governments to uphold their responsibility to protect populations within their territories, and integrates protection policies throughout its humanitarian assistance programs. Emphasizing protection for refugee women and children, these efforts support family reunification, combat gender-based violence and exploitation, strengthen humanitarian field presence, and strive to prevent the forcible return of refugees to places where they fear persecution or harm.
Strategic Goal 6: Promoting International Understanding
Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. becomes a "special sports envoy" during a ceremony at the State Department August 13, 2007. |
Engaging International Audiences. Through technology, including video and other media, web-based outreach, a speakers program, and educational and cultural exchange programs, the Department seeks to broaden domestic and global understanding of U.S. foreign policy priorities and programs. New in 2007 was the creation at the Department of a Counterterrorism Communication Center that provides leadership to the entire USG in the war of ideas and the integration of USG communications strategies. Other accomplishments include the Digital Outreach Team that overtly engages in dialogue on foreign Arabic-language blogs and discussion forums, as well as a new multimedia production capability that facilitates the delivery of messages to broader and younger audiences. These efforts offer people throughout the world a positive vision of hope, help isolate and marginalize violent extremists and help reduce the level of anti-Americanism among key foreign audiences.
Strategic Goal 7: Strengthening Consular and Management Capabilities
Protecting the Lives and Interests of American Citizens. Border security and protecting the lives and interests of American citizens abroad form the core initiatives designed to enhance the security of our nation and citizens. In 2007 the Department obtained Congressional approval to initiate the Visa and Passport Security Strategic Plan that focuses on the detection of terrorist activity, methods, and trends that exploit international travel vulnerabilities. The Department also implemented mandatory use of an electronic visa application form and transitioned to full electronic connectivity, and by December 2007 expects to capture 10-print finger scans from applicants who require fingerprinting. Building on these accomplishments, the Department will transition to the development of an effective remote data collection process to support consular screening of nonimmigrant visa applications. In the area of providing safe, secure and functional facilities to assist our overseas missions to achieve the foreign policy objectives of the United States, the Department awarded eleven capital projects in FY 2007 as part of an initiative to deliver capital construction projects on time and within budget.
